10 great sacred places around the world

At this time of year when thoughts turn toward the divine, author Christoph Engels notes that some places resonate with spiritual energy. His new book, 1000 Sacred Places (Ullmann, $29.99), covers familiar and obscure sights around the globe, from natural monuments to small shrines. "There are a million places you can consider sacred," he says. "They are where you can touch something between heaven and earth." The author shares some of his favorite spots with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

PHOTO GALLERY: Tour the world's sacred places

Mont Saint-Michel

France

Tradition says that the archangel Michael commanded the building of this retreat on a rocky tidal island off the coast of Normandy. Although crowded with tourists, there's no denying the majesty of the setting. "You stand in the monastery and you look out at the sea. You feel like a little human being. It's very impressive," he says. 212-838-7800; us.franceguide.com

Barcelona, Spain

Architect Antonio Gaudi's church remains unfinished — and unmatched — after more than a century of construction. Built in the Modernist style, the basilica's tower dominates Barcelona's skyline. Last month, it was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI, but there is still much work to be done. As Gaudi is often quoted: "My client is not in a hurry." spain.info

Rome

The center of the Christian world teems with traffic, crowds and spiritualism. "There is so much beauty in Rome that it can be breathtaking, and yet there is also so much chaos that you could almost curse the place," Engels says. Devout visitors come to experience the city's seven pilgrimage churches, the most famous of which is St. Peter's Basilica with the Sistine Chapel. 212-245-5618; italiantourism.com

MAP: Zoom in on these sacred spots

Temple Mount

Jerusalem The site sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity has for millennia evoked religious fervor — and conflict. This is the site of the Jewish Holy Temple, and it's where Jesus preached. Muslims also believe it's where Muhammad left for his Night Journey to the heavens on the back of a winged horse. "(Jerusalem) is the holiest city of all," Engels says. 888-774-7723; goisrael.com

Wat Pho

Bangkok The city's oldest and largest Buddhist shrine is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, a golden statue that stands 50 feet tall. But the grounds include 1,000 other statues of Buddha and dozens of pagodas and stupas. The site has a strong connection to meditation, education and Thai medicine and massage. 212-432-0433; tourismthailand.org

Senso-ji

Tokyo This ancient Buddhist temple is the oldest in Tokyo, and the neighborhood surrounding it is packed with restaurants and shops selling religious goods. On the temple grounds are a five-story pagoda, fortunetelling stalls and a Japanese garden. The temple also is the focus of a major Shinto festival every May. 212-757-5640; jnto.go.jp

Niagara Falls

New York and Ontario, Canada Despite the honeymoon hotels, souvenir stores and crowds, there's no denying the majesty of Niagara, Engels says. "There are reasons people visit these places," he says. The Iroquois Indians considered the falls sacred, and so do many visitors when they see and feel their power. 877-325-5787; niagara-usa.com and 800-563-2557; niagarafallstourism.com

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Australia This towering sandstone rock in Australia's Northern Territories is one of the world's most recognized geological formations. The rock is sacred to the Aborigines, who will neither climb nor touch it. "It's a central figure in their creation myth," Engels says. "You can still feel the power without climbing it." 310-695-3200; australia.com and insidetheoutback.com

Haleakala Crater

Maui, Hawaii Engels says the crater, now the centerpiece of a national park, is particularly spectacular at dawn. When the first rays of sun illuminate the moonscape, it's easy to understand why the volcano plays such an important role in the Hawaiian creation myth, he says. Haleakala, he notes, means "House of the Sun" in the Hawaiian language. 808-572-4400; nps.gov/hale